Introduction to Open Water Swimming Sessions – Sale Water Park

Ready to swap the pool for open water and take your swimming to the next level?

With the 2026 Regional Open Water Swimming Competition fast approaching on Saturday 27 June, Swim England North West is thrilled to offer two exclusive ‘Introduction to Open Water Swimming’ sessions – perfect for anyone curious, adventurous, or gearing up for their first open water race.

These sessions are designed for swimmers who want to build confidence, learn the essentials, and experience the thrill of open water in a safe, supportive environment.

To join the adventure, you’ll need to:

• Be 12+ on 31 December 2026
• Be a Swim England club compete member
• Wear a wetsuit (hire available at £5 per session – let us know your height when registering)
• Wear a bright swim hat (this will be provided on the day)
• Be comfortable swimming 2000m
• Familiarise yourself and agree to the SENW Code of Conduct
• Complete a Health Form prior to the first session

Attendance at BOTH sessions is required:

• Session 1: Sunday 17 May 2026, 2.30–3.45pm (Introduction to Open Water Swimming, relevant skills of acclimatisation/warm up, sighting, turning around buoys, drafting, race starts and tactics, followed by a short training race.)
• Session 2: Saturday 6 June 2026, 2.30–3.45pm (Review of skills from Session 1, followed by a longer training session around the race course)

What to expect: You’ll be sharing the course with other swimmers, so spatial awareness is key. Remember to bring warm clothes, a hot drink, and a snack for after your swim – trust us, you’ll appreciate them! Wetsuits are likely to be required for the first session, and if you’re bringing your own, wait until you arrive before putting it on. Don’t forget suitable footwear for the dryland warm‑up.

If you’re ready to feel the buzz of open water, build new skills, and dive into something unforgettable, these sessions are your perfect starting point.

With entries for this year’s Open Water Swimming Competition closing on Wednesday 10 June 2026, there’s no better moment to dive in and discover whether open water is your next big challenge. This is your chance to test the waters – literally – and see if the thrill of open water swimming is for you.

Before booking please ensure you are aware of the SENW Terms and Conditions for this event

Spaces are limited, so if you are unable to book a space due to demand, but are interested in taking part please complete the following form – CLICK HERE.  In the event we have enough interest, we may be able to arrange a further series of sessions on the same dates – spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Deadline for booking is 9am Wednesday 13th May 2026 or as soon as all spaces have gone.